Mecklenburg Transportation System (MTS) is a program within the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS) that provides non-emergency transportation to eligible citizens of Mecklenburg County. Transportation is provided to various locations seven days a week, except December 25.
Transportation is provided by:
- Monthly bus passes through Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS).
- County certified drivers.
- Contracts with transportation vendors such as taxi companies and private companies that provide wheelchair-equipped vehicles to help with specialized transportation needs.
MTS services are used to take you to non-emergency medical appointments or other destinations approved by DSS. It is not a taxi service. The driver is not permitted to enter your home.
Title VI Policy
How to Apply for Services
- To apply for Medicaid funded transportation to a nutrition site, medical facility, or other location, call the MTS scheduling line at 704-336-4547. Be prepared to provide the name, social security number, date of birth, complete home address, and telephone number of the person needing transportation, and the name and number of an emergency contact person.
- To apply for Veterans Transportation, call the Veterans Service Office 704-336-2102.
Transportation Programs and Eligibility
Medicaid Transportation
Adults and children authorized to receive Medicaid transportation are transported to and from a medical destination. CATS bus service is the primary mode of transportation. Door to door service is available, but a Medicaid Transportation Exception Form is required. Cost: No fare.
Elderly Disabled Transportation Assistance
Adults aged 60+ or adults and children with a disability may receive transportation to and from dialysis or chemotherapy. Passenger fare of $1.50 per trip is required.
Elderly General Purpose
Adults aged 60+ not living in an assisted living facility or nursing home, may receive transportation to and from medical and dental appointments, pharmacy, grocery shopping, paid employment, senior centers and congregate meal sites. Passenger fare of $1.50 per trip is required.
Rural General Public
Available to individuals living outside the urbanized area. Door to door service is provided within the rural area of Charlotte. Riders are limited to 40 one-way trips monthly. Passenger fare of $1.50 per trip is required.
Veterans Services Transportation
Veterans may receive transportation to and from Veterans Affairs hospitals in North Carolina as well as clinics in Charlotte. Call 704-336-2102 for more information.
Senior Citizens Nutrition Program Meal Sites
Adults aged 60+ may receive transportation to and from Mecklenburg County's Senior Citizens Nutrition Program meal sites. Nutritious meals and opportunities for socialization and enhanced physical health are provided. Contributions are encouraged but not required.
Urbanized Area General Purpose (5307)
Adults aged 60+ or individuals with a disability that reside in the Charlotte/Mecklenburg urbanized area. Transportation is used for non-emergency medical, government facilities, Social Security Administration, banks, hair salons, faith-based centers, exercise or related recreational centers, paid employment, post-secondary education, congregate nutrition sites and grocery trips. Passenger fare of $1.50 per trip is required.
Quality of Life Trips
To help offset the financial impact of the pandemic on older adults, DSS offers a free fare ride program for any adult 60 and older. The free fare rides are available to designated locations through June 2023. Call 704-336-4547 for more information.
Note: All MTS programs, except Medicaid Transportation, have limited funding available. As a result, frequencies and types of trips may be adjusted.